Franchise Notes

December 12, 2012

In Detroit, John Lowe notes the Tigers "sent out season-ticket renewal forms to season-ticket holders this week," and the team's average season ticket for '13 will "cost between $2 and $3 more a game than it did this past season." Tigers VP/Communications Ron Colangelo said the team's average ticket price "will be below the median" MLB ticket price for '12. The Tigers said that season-ticket holders for next season would "continue to receive discounts up to 36% over the price of single-game tickets" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/12).

STILL FLYIN' HIGH? Flyers Senior VP/Business Operations Shawn Tilger yesterday said "less than 1 percent" of the team's 18,280 season-ticket holders have canceled their tickets during the NHL lockout. In Philadelphia, Sam Carchidi notes that means fewer than 182 fans "have been angry enough to fight through the red tape to get their money back" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 12/12).

EVERYTHING'S BIGGER: In Dallas, Eddie Sefko wrote fans should not “plan on the Mavericks giving any guarantees that fans will be satisfied with their experience,” as team Owner Mark Cuban “believes that’s a given.” Cuban said, “The difference between us and some other teams is we work really, really hard to make sure they’re entertained. We spend more on promotion and in-game entertainment than half the league combined. You make guarantees when you know you’re underperforming in the entertainment department.” The Mavericks last week were the opponent when the Suns offered a "Satisfaction Guaranteed" money-back promotion (DALLASNEWS.com, 12/9).

VIVA LA MEXICO: GOAL.com’s Kyle McCarthy wrote of MLS Chivas USA Owner Jorge Vergara's recent comments regarding returning the team to its Mexican roots, "If Vergara wants to persist down this ill-advised path, he must commit ample resources to give Chivas USA the best chance to succeed.” He must “plunge millions of dollars into his playing squad and millions of dollars into his youth development setup.” McCarthy: “Little evidence exists to suggest Vergara understands that he cannot build the squad he wants on the cheap." He has "time and again failed to provide the necessary support required to compete with teams with clear operating principles, deft executives and full wallets” If Chivas USA “falters yet again, then the blame falls squarely at Vergara's door” (GOAL.com, 12/10).

SOCCER DOWN UNDER: In London,Emily Benammar noted EPL club Manchester United will “travel to Sydney next summer to play the Australian A-League All Stars, 14 years after their last trip Down Under.” Organizers have suggested that the team bring its “full squad for the July 20th match meaning Australian football fans will have the opportunity to see Wayne Rooney, Nani and Robin van Persie in action.” Football Federation Australia confirmed that the A-League All Stars “would be selected by fans” (TELEGRAPH.co.uk, 12/10).